Russia says it will consider new proposals on Ukraine war that align with Putin's goals

Moscow’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Thursday that Russia is “eager” for the United States to resume backing what he described as the Russian agenda, signaling a push for a thaw in bilateral relations that have been strained by sanctions and diplomatic disputes since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Ryabkov emphasized that renewed U.S. support could facilitate cooperation on issues such as nuclear arms control, counter‑terrorism, and regional stability, and he urged Washington to move beyond “political rhetoric” to practical engagement.

The remarks come amid a series of low‑level diplomatic overtures between the two capitals, including tentative talks on extending the New START treaty and limited discussions on humanitarian corridors in Ukraine. Analysts note that while the United States has maintained a firm stance on sanctions and accountability, Ryabkov’s comments reflect a broader Russian strategy to seek openings for dialogue and to mitigate the economic impact of Western measures. The statement underscores the continued complexity of U.S.-Russia relations and suggests that any future rapprochement will depend on concrete steps rather than symbolic gestures.